Geek Out SA - (Knight Watch Games | Spoiler-Free Batman V Superman Review)

The Dun Dagan project

Once again, our customers have inspired an epic project.  This time, a three-tier tower named Dun Dagan, in honor of its owner. Dun translates roughly to "Fort" in Gaelic.

This is the first time we've implemented the "Obsidian" color scheme. The tower certainly looks imposing, and if stereotypes hold any truth, there is an evil wizard residing within.

It was important to us to make the tower as useful as possible; each level being removable made the tower transportable.  Its owner can use the individual levels as dungeon rooms or combine them to form smaller versions of Dun Dagan.

Initially, the project seemed simple enough and both Brenda and I have experience building the towers that Bruce Hirst designs.  The new challenge was designing levels which would allow circular stairs to grant access to the next floor above. Because the floors change size, we had to take into account the smaller diameter and adjust the stairs accordingly.




With some Smurfy help, we got the whole thing figured out. We even produced a new mold specifically for the floor sections. This strengthened the structure and lessened the number of seems that might flex under the weight of all the die stone - a total of about 20 lbs. The walls are straight and the tower, perfectly round. That's a feat in itself.

The first three floors.

Floors 4-6 with removable stairs.

Floors 7-9 with removable stairwells.

The three tiers assembled as individual towers.

DUN DAGAN

Elminster approves.

I think I see Rapunzel's hair to the left.

The doorway is a splash of color.

Let us know what you think. We would love to hear from you.

Knight Watch Games progress.

Construction has started on Knight Watch Games!  With over 3100 sq ft, we have big plans for each area.   The main area will be called the Great Hall.  It will consist of three tables, two of them parallel and the third perpendicular.  The two parallel tables will be about 24' long and have comfortable benches that can seat as many as 8 players on a side.  That's 40 players with lots of room to play.

The floors will be dark wood and the wall will have a rock base that transitions into a tutor beams. Hanging on the walls will be weapons, tapestries, and suits of armor.  Wrought iron chandeliers will hang from the ceiling and light the playing area.

The Lords of the realm discuss the arrangement of the court.

Music will be playing over a comprehensive sound system.  During the quiet hours, music like Enya, Lorenna McKennitt, Lisa Gerrard and Dead Can Dance.  At more active times, engaging music like Omna, Fever Ray and Nox Arcana .  Soft incense will be burning to fully transport customers to the medieval realm of Knight Watch Games. 

Building the two exclusive private gaming rooms.  (12' x 15  and 12' x 14')

In addition to the "Grand Hall", we will have two private gaming rooms that can seat 8 players each comfortably.  One of the rooms will be decorated in high renaissance style, while the other will have a more rustic tavern feel.  Both rooms will be equipped with multi-media support (video projector, 5.1 surround light and sound, WiFi) adjustable lighting, a large rug, dedicated AC, and a multitude of props to immerse the players.

The rooms will be isolated from the rest of the store so that noise can't enter or escape the playing rooms. The concept of the rooms will be similar to what Brenda and I had done with our apartment in Germany.

Towards the back of the store will be our "Death Star room".  This is the area dedicated to Sci-Fi and war gaming with tables that can host Warhammer, War Machine, Dust, Bolt Action, X-Wing Miniatures, Star Wars Armada, Imperial Assault and many other table top war games.

The walls will have the well-known Death Star pattern. The floor will be glossy black.  The tables will be 4'x8' and tall enough for comfortable war gaming.  Stools are available for those marathon games. Cool robotic lamps will hang down from the ceiling, allowing for spot illumination. Gaming terrain will be available to rent to players.  This terrain will be the high-quality game pieces typical of Knight Watch Games.

The archway into the Death Star is installed!

To make all this terrain, we have included a workshop, complete with sinks, hood vents, plenty of counter space, recessed lighting and a window that will allow people to see the terrain being made.  Knight Watch Games is currently hiring an apprentice terrain maker.  If you know of anyone who has a steady hand, an eye for detail and a creative streak, let them know we have a job for them!

The workshop.

The store will also have a boutique area that sells all manner of high-quality costumes, aimed at LARPers, Rennasisance Faires goers, and Cosplayers.  Cloaks, tunics, shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, gloves, armor and weapons will be available.  We have a exclusive merchant agreement with European artisans to provide the coolest articles of clothing you would need.





We're excited to bring our dream to the San Antonio community.  If you want to get involved in this adventure, please feel free to contact us and let us know.  Slowly, and surely, people are realizing that Knight Watch Games is not only going to be a reality, it's going to change the standards for gamers. Adventure awaits.

Stay tuned for another article that describes all the services we will offer!

Texas Terror Challenge

On Feb 26th, Team Knight Watch attended the inaugural Texas Terror Challenge, held at Camp Texlake in Spicewood TX.

The Texas Terror Challenge is the brain child of one brilliant Paul Fiero of Desolation Manor fame. Paul has been involved in the art of scaring people since he was a kid. He has a background that includes massive scenario paintball games, commercial haunted houses and role-playing games. His girlfriend admits he "has a very dark heart."  Needless to say, Paul Fiero has a passion for scaring people.

A great rundown of who Paul is and what the Texas Terror Challenge is, can be found here: 

Previous Desolation Manor monsters

The Texas Terror Challenge  premise is that the players are attending a summer camp, but things are not as pleasant as it seems. The players were given tasks and missions that needed to be completed by navigating through the woods. The missions were timed and a great sense of urgency pervaded every task.  The huge complication was that there were monsters wandering around the wilderness that will "kill" you by taking your flags from your belt.  If you were killed, you had to return to the operations tent to respawn.   The event took place over 36 hours in over 100+ acres of wilderness.

We were presented with a cabin in which we could sleep, but we were told that the monsters have full access to the cabins, so sleep was a risky gamble. After 24 hours, all the players were exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally... and we still had 12 hours to go!

Team Knight Watch approached this from a military point of view.  We geared up with both day and night versions of MultiCam. We bought high powered strobe flashlights, GPS units, backpacks, two-way radios, MREs, and hydration packs. We figured if the monsters couldn't see us, we were safe. And if they did give chase, a timely strobe of 2000 lumen of light might blind them enough for us to escape. We felt prepared.

For the first task,  we had to find a roll of duct tape that was located in a nearby latrine building. With this duct tape we were to build a team banner with some of the material provided. It was pitch black outside and we had heard that there were roaming monsters prowling the woods.  We attempted to sneak through the woods without lamps and approach the latrine unseen.  We heard screams off in the distance which really caused the hairs on our arms to stand on end.  We reached the latrine and watched it for a few minutes to make sure no one was around.  I entered the building with my high power strobe flashlight at the ready and cautiously checked around the doors and every stall. Horror-movie sound effects were playing in my own head and I was very nervous about what was going to be in the next stall.  It ended up being an empty latrine, no duct tape and no monsters...only because another team had gotten here first and claimed the duct tape for themselves. 

We ended up using a ball of string that we found to build our banner. We thought that was ingenious.

The whole weekend was full of tense situations like this... sneaking into an objective after navigating through the woods by a full moon.  Watching the objective for monsters, hearing screams and people panicking. We would rush into the objective to snag the mission item, fully expecting a monster to spring out.  The adrenaline was at an all-time high.  We were deprived sleep, deprived of safety, and deprived of our sanity.

Team Knight Watch: Paraic, Brenda, Amanda and Madeline.

Paul talks with a monster during a Desolation Manor event.

We died only once, shot by a gore cannon, manned by the crazy Taz (Dean Rice).  Taz is just as crazy as Paul.  When slowly sneaking through the woods at midnight, a player could hear Taz taunting participants with maniacal laughter and promises of bloody death. 

Dean Rice - a maniac in everyone's mind.

The camp was located on the bank of the Colorado River and the weather was perfect.  A clear sky and full moon allowed for some light to be available during the night...just enough to make you see shadows and jump at the slightest sounds.

Paul Fiero was nice enough to allow Knight Watch Games to do a little self-promoting during the event.  We picked our gothic pieces to tap into the theme and several players/staff showed some interest. Thanks to Paul for letting us set up a table.

We had a great time.  It was grueling, tiring, and tested our physical limits.  It certainly brought Brenda and I closer.  Being so scared that you pee a little, will do that to a couple.  Or, one of you will die from a heart attack.

We look forward to the future of the Texas Terror Challenge.  It is obvious that a great amount of work went into the event. We would like to thank Paul Fiero, Geri Jones, Liegh Hegedus, Dean Rice, the cooking staff, the medical staff, the monsters, Team Chucacabra (Tasha Burns), Team Zombie Hunters (William & Jennifer Howser and Red Rum), Team Super Fast Mother F*ckers, Team Cereal Killers for a great time.  We will see you again!

Magic Beans X-Wing Miniature Store Championship

Prizes, up for grabs!

On Feburary 20, Brenda and Paraic entered a local Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Store Championship at Magic Beans cafe. The tournament drew only 14 players, but that might have been for the best as Magic Beans is currently undergoing renovations and seating is limited.                         

Some notable absences from the tournament were Michael Scott, Steven Cubberley, Austin Jenkins, Nelson Emilio Orta, Brian Cook, Ryan Koops and Albert Roy Patterson.  The tournament still brought some serious heavy-hitters in the San Antonio community: Joseph Currier, Robert Soruco, "Ben Apple",    James T, Jon Vandermeer, Jarid S. and many others. 

We also had some visitors from out of town, namely: Lee Harris and Chris Little.

Brenda and I had prepared for the tournament by play testing at home as well as pitting our lists against various opponents, namely Vincent Gannon, Ryan Koops and Roy Patterson. Those play tests were telling.  I learned a lot about what works, and what doesn't.

With this information in hand, I entered the following list:

 

I was worried about the predominate Twin Laser Turret variations that are dominating the metagame, locally.  My concern was that the two B Wings were too slow to close the gap and get into the range 1 bubble of the Y Wings before getting chewed up.  I resolved to not try and race in, but instead, focus all my fire on 1 ship at a time and endure any remaining fire. My list is able to push out 10 damage dice in one round with an average of 7 damage dealt (1 being a crit). This should be enough to thwart the TLT lists and give me some breathing room.  The magic of the list comes from Jan Ors who has the ability to add an additional attack die to a friendly ship, once per round. She can also grant 1 free action to a friendly ship.  It is very common for Jan to give the Heavy Laser Cannon 5 attack dice, coupled with a Target Lock and a Focus.  Her own Twin Laser Turret is potent with a stack full of focus that her crew member accumulate.  I'm really happy with the build.  Many opponents don't realize the danger of Jan Ors until it is too late.

Brenda was running an Imperial Aces build that featured Darth Vader, Carnor Jax and Whisper. This is the same list she ran in the previous tournament. In that tournament she went 3-1 to place in the top 4.  She made such an impression that many local players revisited their Imperial lists and included Whisper.

The Magic Bean store championship was to be a 4 round Swiss pairing.  My games went like this:

Game 1  Me vs Lee Harris
Lee is a traveling adventurer who happened to be in the area at the time of the tournament.  He came prepared with a Scum & Villainy list that was comprised of 2 Y Wings shooting Twin Laser Turrets and a IG-88 Aggressor (vB).  I was more concerned about the Y Wings than I was his large ship.  He arranged his formation in a castle and didn't perform any maneuvers for the next 4 turns.  I also played defensively and turtled behind the line of dense asteroids I deployed.  I used these turns to amass 5-6 focus tokens for the Moldy Crow and then advanced up the side of the board.  Lee then made his move and had the Y Wings swing around to bring lasers to bear.   I was able to get his Y wing in all three of my ship's firing arc and did 7 damage to it.  With one hull left, it was easily destroyed the following turn.  His Aggressor was smart and used Advanced Sensors to ensure he had a focus before creeping into the battle.  Unfortunately for Lee,  my B Wings were able to deliver a crippling amount of damage and his red dice were rather cold.  He was able to kill 1 B Wing, but in the end, the overwhelming firepower of my team prevailed.

Game 2 Me vs Robert S
Robert is a retired Army Soldier who plays the game casually.  He had lost his first game but approached this match with fresh enthusiasm. He fielded 5 Z-95s, being led by LT Blout.  We wasted no time and flew into a fast engagement.  With focused fire I was able to destroy several of the Z in the opening turns. Again, my opponent's dice seemed cold, and Jan Ors' defence was often augmented by intervening asteroids with gave her 3 defense dice (along with her pile of focus tokens).  One of my B Wings was destroyed, but Jan and her wingman prevailed.

My B Wings swooping into battle among asteroids.

Game 3 Me vs Jarid S (?)
My opponent, active duty Navy, was flying a Scum build featuring 2 Y-Wings (TLT) and a Y-666.  I used the same tactic I had all day....wait behind the wall of asteroids and pounce as they try to navigate it.  While I couldn't avoid the TLTs, I was able to use the asteroids to shield Jan and force the opponent into some bottlenecks that forced bumps.  Again, I was able to destroy a Y Wing quickly, and then unloaded everything into a tokenless Y-666.  My B-Wings are excellent at jamming enemy ships and then barrel rolling away during Jan's turn to actually shoot the ship they just jammed.  While there were a few close calls, my list was able to destroy my opponnent's before time was called.

The black and white stripes of the P-51 were
also on Chris Little's entire squad.

Game 4 Me vs Chris Little
Chris fielded a list that used the full power of the Twin Laser Turret and large hull ships. Miranda Doni in a K-Wing, two Y-Wings (one with the stress bot) and a Z95.  He has painted all his ships to look like WWII P-51 Mustangs. It was intimidating.

He advanced along the edge of the board and I tried to kite his through the asteroid field. He proved too smart for that and kept a steady chase around the edge of the board. Realizing the flying rocks were not going to help me, I reversed my flight and engaged the mass of TLTs.  Chris wisely targeted Jan Ors with every volley, and while she was able to dodge a few of the shots, she was forced to fly away and leave the B Wings fending for themselves.  Chris not only had good target selection, he knew how to fly his formation to maximum effect.  My B-Wings steadily got chewed up and Jan Ors quickly followed.

The final 4 table... Lee Harris, myself and James T. Grown up kids, all of us.

"Ridin' Flirty"  Rob was not distracted and took care of business.

My resulting record was 3-1, with the loss going to the only undefeated list.  I earned 3rd place due to the fact that James T was able to keep his Margin of Victory way above mine (in other words, his victories were much more decisive than mine.)

Team Knight Watch winnings!

Brenda earned 8th place with a record of 2-2.  She noticed a very "anti-Whisper" slant to the tournament...and she took that as a compliment to her last tournament.  She was able to prevail against some good X-Wing players.











Thanks to Magic Beans for hosting the tournament and the prize support. Thanks to Vincent Gannon for serving as the Tournament Organizer.  Thanks to all my opponents for being fun players who were the right mixture of competitive and casual.